80 YEARS · 1946-2026
Elcometer 355 Modular Coating Thickness Gauges
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About this product

The Elcometer 355 Modular Coating Thickness Gauge is a hand-held dry film thickness gauge supplied without a probe (part numbers A355---S Standard and A355---T Top), so the operator selects the probe module best suited to the application. Coating thickness directly affects how well a paint or protective system performs; too thin and it fails early, too thick and it wastes material or cracks, so accurate measurement is central to coatings inspection and quality control.

The Elcometer 355 Modular Coating Thickness Gauge measures to an accuracy of plus or minus 1% or 1 micron, whichever is greater, and reads at 40 readings per minute. Probe modules cover ferrous and non-ferrous substrates and are interchangeable, each supplied with calibration foils. The Standard model holds 5,000 readings in pre-set batches while the Top model holds 10,000 readings in up to 200 individually calibrated batches. Full statistical analysis is available, including mean, standard deviation, number of readings and the highest and lowest values, and every reading carries a date and time stamp. Data is output via RS232 to a PC, data-logger or printer, and ElcoMaster software is supplied. The rugged aluminium case suits demanding environments, and the Elcometer 355 Modular Coating Thickness Gauge runs from AA alkaline or rechargeable cells for a minimum of 40 hours.

The Elcometer 355 Modular Coating Thickness Gauge can be used in accordance with a wide range of standards including ISO 2360, ISO 2808, ASTM B 244, ASTM B 499, ASTM D 7091, SSPC PA 2 and the IMO MSC.215(82) and MSC.244(83) ballast tank coating standards. This product is discontinued. The Elcometer 355 Modular Coating Thickness Gauge is supplied by BAMR, South Africa's authorised Elcometer distributor.

Elcometer

Elcometer 355 Modular Coating Thickness Gauges

SKU · A355-S (+1 more)

The Elcometer 355 Coating Thickness Gauge's watchwords are accuracy, simplicity, versatility and durability making this a true state of the art hand-held measuring system packed with time-saving and cost-cutting features. Available as a standard and top model, the unit's large memory stores up to 10,000 readings in batches, and data can be output to PC, data-logger or printer as required.

  • Accuracy ±1% or 1μm, whichever is the greater
  • Rugged aluminium case Designed for the toughest environments
  • ElcoMaster® supplied
  • Full statistical analysis Mean standard deviation, number of readings, highest and lowest value
  • RS232 output
  • Date and time stamp
  • Comprehensive range of Probe Modules available Simply select the most appropriate for the application. All modules are supplied with calibration foils.
Indicative price
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Used by inspection teams in
RefiningMarineMiningBridge / civil
When to use this
Decision guide

When to use the Elcometer 355 Modular Gauge

Reach for this gauge when one hand-held instrument has to measure dry film thickness across many applications by swapping probe modules, and the readings have to be logged and reported. It suits inspectors and labs that need traceable, standards compliant data.

  • 1
    Interchangeable probe modules
    Selecting the right probe module for each application lets one gauge cover a wide range of coatings and substrates instead of buying separate instruments.
  • 2
    Logs, analyses and outputs data
    Memory up to 10,000 readings in batches with full statistics and RS232 output means inspection data can be stored and sent to PC or printer for reporting.
  • 3
    Broad standards compliance
    Conformance to ISO, ASTM, SSPC and IMO methods among others supports thickness readings that have to satisfy a specification or marine coating requirement.
  • 4
    Rugged for tough environments
    The aluminium case and 0 to 50 degree operating range suit demanding site conditions rather than bench only use.
Specifications

Specifications

Part Number
A355-S
Description
Elcometer 355 Standard Coating Thickness Gauge
Part Number
A355-T
Description
Elcometer 355 Top Coating Thickness Gauge
Operating Temperature
0°C to 50°C
Storage Temperature
-10°C to 60°C
Dimensions
175 x 83 x 42mm
Weight
650g
Reading Speed
40 readings per minute
Data Output
RS232C Serial or Parallel Output via D25 Type Connector (Female)
Memory
Standard: 5,000 reading memory in pre-set batches; Top: 10,000 reading memory in up to 200 batches (individually calibrated)
Battery Type
3 x 1.5V AA Cells (Alkaline) or 3 x 1.5V Nickel Metal Hydride rechargeable cells
Battery Life
Minimum: 40 hours with alkaline batteries, 20 hours with rechargeable batteries
Certificate available
Certificate of Test - for variable calibration equipment and supplied with readings. A Certificate of Inspection states the instrument is tested in accordance with our procedures
Elcometer 355 Standard Coating Thickness Gauge
A355-S
Elcometer 355 Top Coating Thickness Gauge
A355-T
What's in the kit

What's in the kit

Elcometer 355 Top or Standard Gauge
Leather carry case
3 x AA batteries
ElcoMaster® software
PC cable
Operating instructions
Standards

Standards

IMO
IMO MSC.215(82)
IMO
IMO MSC.244(83)
ISO
ISO 1461
ISO
ISO 19840
ISO
ISO 2063
ISO
ISO 2360
ISO
ISO 2808-6A
ISO
ISO 2808-6B
ISO
ISO 2808-7C
ISO
ISO 2808-7D
ISO
ISO 2808-12
AS
AS 2331.1.4
AS
AS 3894.3-B
AS/NZS
AS/NZS 1580.108.1
ASTM
ASTM B 244
ASTM
ASTM B 499
ASTM
ASTM D 1186-B
ASTM
ASTM D 1400
ASTM
ASTM D 7091
ASTM
ASTM E 376
ASTM
ASTM G 12
BS
BS 3900-C5-6A
BS
BS 3900-C5-6B
BS
BS 5411-3
BS
BS 5411-11
BS
BS 5599
DIN
DIN 50981
DIN
DIN 50984
ECCA
ECCA T1
EN
EN 13523-1
NF
NF A49-211
NF
NF T30-124
SS
SS 184159
SSPC
SSPC PA 2
US Navy
US Navy PPI 63101-000
US Navy
US Navy NSI 009-32
Accessories

Accessories

Elcometer 355 Probe Accessories
Jumbo Hand Grip
Ideal for precision placement for the most accurate results on flat and curved surfaces. Place the probe inside the Jumbo Hand Grip and take measurements - ideal when wearing gloves.
T9997766Jumbo Hand Grip - F and N Probes
V-Probe Adaptor
Ideal for precision placement for the most accurate results on medium and large diameter curved surfaces such as pipes and cylinders.
T9997381V-Probe Adaptor - F and N Probes
Soft Material / Blanket Probe
Ideal for taking precision readings on soft coatings or printing blankets. The wide, flat base design acts as a load spreader, reducing the total force at a single point.
T35511963Soft Material / Blanket Probe for the Elcometer 355
Probe Placement Jig
For the most reliable and repeatable coating thickness measurements, making the gauge score highly in repeatability and reproducibility studies. Ideal for small and large components alike. The probe placement jig is supplied with a probe housing to suit standard F1, F2, F4, F5 and N1 probes. Housings to suit other probes are available as optional accessories.
T95012880Probe Placement Jig
T95013028Component Hand Vice - a simple vice to hold small components
T95012888Cable Release Assembly - ideal for remote measurements
T95015589N4 Probe Adaptor - must be purchased for use with N4 Probes
Probe Options

Probe Options

Scale 1Range:0-1500μmAccuracy*: ±1% or ±1μm
Resolution:0.1μm: 0-200μm; 0.5μm: 200-500μm; 1μm: 500-1500µm
StandardRight AngleTelescopic
Probe DesignPart NumberMinimum HeadroomMinimum Sample Diameter
F1 StandardT3551195285mm6mm
F1 TelescopicT3551195930mm6mm
N1 StandardT3551198285mm8mm
Scale 2Range:0-5mmAccuracy*: ±1% or ±5μm
Resolution:2μm: 0-500μm; 5μm: 500-5000μm
F2 StandardF2 TelescopicN2 Standard
Probe DesignPart NumberMinimum HeadroomMinimum Sample Diameter
F2 TelescopicT3551196036mm10mm
N2 StandardT3551198488mm18mm
Scale 4Range:0-250µmAccuracy*: ±1% or ±1μm
Resolution:0.1µm: 0-250µm
F4 StandardF4 Right Angle (long)N4 Standard
Probe DesignPart NumberMinimum HeadroomMinimum Sample Diameter
F4 StandardT3551195085mm4mm
F4 Right Angle (long)T3551195118mm3mm
N4 StandardT3551198090mm8mm
Scale 5Range:0-250µmAccuracy*: ±1% or ±1μm
F5 Rebar
Probe DesignPart NumberMinimum HeadroomMinimum Sample Diameter
F5 (Rebar)T3551196285mm4mm
Downloads
Answers

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Elcometer 355 Standard and Top models?

The Standard model (A355---S) stores up to 5,000 readings in pre-set batches. The Top model (A355---T) stores 10,000 readings across up to 200 individually calibrated batches. Choose the Top model if you need greater storage capacity or batch calibration flexibility.

I need to measure coatings up to 5mm thick. Which probe scale should I use?

Use a Scale 2 probe, which measures 0 to 5mm with accuracy of ±1% or ±5μm. Scale 2 probes are available in Telescopic and Standard designs to suit different installation constraints.

What measurement accuracy does the Elcometer 355 provide?

Accuracy is ±1% or ±1μm on Scales 1, 4, and 5. Scale 2 offers ±1% or ±5μm. Resolution varies by scale and measurement range, from 0.1μm at lower ranges to 5μm at higher ranges.

How do I transfer the readings from the gauge to my computer?

The Elcometer 355 outputs data via RS232C serial or parallel connection using a D25 type connector (female). Data can be sent to a PC, data-logger, or printer as required.

What are the minimum space and sample size requirements for the different probes?

Minimum headroom ranges from 18mm to 90mm depending on probe type. Minimum sample diameter ranges from 3mm to 18mm. Specific requirements depend on the scale and probe design you select.

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